Friday, August 24, 2007

Graphic Classics




My post yesterday made me think about classic color combinations, and in my mind there's nothing more classic than black and white. Think black and white marbled floors, black and white striped awnings, and even black and white silhouettes. This graphic color combination is always crisp, tailored, and elegant. You may not want to design an entire room entirely in black and white, but perhaps these black and white items might inspire you to add a little graphic punch to your home.


"Tess" chair by Chair Couture


"Black Aves Platinum" by Royal Crown Derby


Black and white striped ottoman, one of a set of 3, at Dragonette Limited


Black and white obelisks at Biggs Powell


Chevron patterned black and white tray by Oscar de la Renta for Lunt


"Black and White Story" stationery from Kate Spade

Image at top: Hampshire House, New York, designed by Dorothy Draper. One of Draper's favorite color combinations was "dull white and shiny black". One of her trademark looks was black and white checkered floors- beautiful and stylish then, still so today!

31 comments:

  1. That chair is fabulous!

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  2. I think black and white is the ultimate classic too! I just have to have that de la Renta tray. Great selections Jennifer.

    ~Kate

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  3. A- That chair is my favorite too!

    Kate- Glad you like the choices here. That tray is so stylish!

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  4. I love graphic design and black and design SO I love your post . And every picture is a source of inspiration ...as always

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  5. Anonymous12:08 PM

    I dig the Pop Art quality of these images!

    -pt

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  6. hi- i just posted an all black and white apartment. :) come visit.
    that chair is very cool.

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  7. PT- Especially the chair and the tray!

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  8. I love the Draper room, the entire de la Renta collection, but the obelisks - oh, my. I have been on the hunt for a good pair. Scared to check the price.

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  9. Marissa- That sounds interesting. I'll go check it out.

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  10. Patricia- I don't remember the price, but sometimes it's not as bad as one thinks! :)

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  11. Aves by Royal Crown Derby has been on my wishlist for years! I want the red with gold trim.

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  12. I love the tiny bit of green lining in the Kate Spade notecard envelope. Black, white and Kelly green are such a nice combo.

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  13. Anonymous1:56 PM

    FYI: Black and white was an early signature of Elsie de Wolfe's, long before Mrs Draper took up the b&w cause and made it singularly her own ... Cole Porter even reportedly wrote "That Little Black and White Baby of Mine" in honor of Elsie, in 1919 ...

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  14. I love black and white tile floors. I put them in my condo when I moved in and love, love them. Even though they aren't ceramic or marble, but school tiles. It still adds drama to the space!

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  15. Ronda, the red is nice too!

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  16. Brilliant- That is a nice combo. Also black/white/turquoise.

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  17. Anonymous- Quite right about de Wolfe and black/white. I suppose that no post on b&w would be complete with referencing her. I did not know this info about the Porter song... how "swell"!

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  18. Linda- That sounds nice! I'm a fan of black and white linoleum (GOOD linoleum)as well.

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  19. Wow, Jennifer so many sharp examples! I love that tray, the Chair Couture chair, striped ottoman -- all are great.

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  20. Great post - again! I am a huge fan of black and white. The first bedroom I was ever allowed to do of my own as a teenager was completely black and white (it was the 80's). But some things just never go out of style. I love that tray too - wonder if that has been developed since Miles Redd became creative director at Oscar de la Renta Home..?

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  21. Suzy- I think you may be right about the tray!

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  22. Anonymous8:38 AM

    Black & white is so timeless. Interestingly, our use of it (hounds tooth vs. herringbone or plaid vs checkerboard) does change, but the combination is timeless and never fails to impress. Nice assortment of images !

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  23. Franki- Excellent point! The various b&w prints may come in and out of style, but the color combo is classic. Thanks!

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  24. Anonymous11:56 AM

    Black and white floors are so classic -- look at some of the early Dutch paintings in the 17th century of interiors and see the patterns. And many English entry halls have the classic white marble with black insets! And elegant "court shoes" in black and white -- with black Chanel suit or the Little Black Dress with pearls! The Crown Derby china is gorgeous -- just imagine the sexy come-hither supper table that set would create! LOL!

    Another wonderful entry! Many thanks!! Jan x at Rosemary Cottage

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  25. Thanks Jan! I know, can you imagine the tablesetting one could create with that gorgeous china???!

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  26. You have a very inspiring blog! I have just entered the bloggin world, so please visit me when you have some spare time. Take care!
    Annica

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  27. Thanks Annica! I will do so :)

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  28. Yes, B&W is definately a classic! I love the dishes, the zigzag tray....oh hack I like all of it!:)

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  29. Oh my! That china is to *die* for! Seriously - maybe I need to rethink my projected Wedgwood Florentine Turquoise plans....


    Sarah

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  30. Love this post. For me, black and white are really a neutral...splash it with any color and it is almost a guarantee to POP!

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